DISCIPLESHIP BOOKLET

Jesus-centred

exploring, encouraging, challenging... growing in faith

Dreams

Devotions

Domestic

Disciplines

Developments

DIS

CIP

LE

SH

IP

Crofts End Church

CROFTS END

DISCIPLESHIP

As Christians and as a church

we are called to be imitators of Jesus;

to be his disciples; to obey him

– to see his life reproduced.

In this booklet some guidelines are set out

for the 1-to-1 discipleship process

that we call mentoring.

Discipleship and mentoring at Crofts End

Guidelines for mentors

The ‘5Ds’: Dreams, Devotions,

Domestic, Disciplines, Developments

Guidelines for those being discipled

Your spiritual life

Using this booklet

Homegroup leader: Mentor:

Mentee:

Crofts End Church

Discipleship and mentoring at Crofts End

“…go and make disciples of all nations…

teaching them to OBEY everything I have

commanded you…” Matthew 28:19,20

CEC value and seek to encourage the discipleship process

through the teaching on Sundays and within homegroups,

in training and teaching for various areas of ministry and service.

This discipleship programme is designed by Woodlands Church, Bristol and is used

with permission. We would like to express our extreme gratitude to them.

So, what is mentoring and where does it fit into

what we do as a church?

...part of the process of discipleship: Discipleship is centred on Jesus,

learning to obey his teachings and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

...the first line of pastoral support – this should be something that

primarily happens through homegroups.

...the context for training and teaching for specific service/ministries

unless the 1-to-1s have been set up with that particular focus in mind.

...discipleship happening on a 1-to-1 level. This is a place for those who

want to grow in their faith to be encouraged and challenged; to explore

and be accountable.

Mentoring is...

Mentoring is not...

...primarily friendship support

Meet for an hour once a month. Use your first meeting to set the ground rules and expectations.

Have a review session every 3 months. This is a chance for both

of you to take stock—if things don’t seem to be working this

makes a natural point to stop. Students and younger people could meet every 2 to 3 weeks

Use the five areas (dreams, devotions, domestic, disciplines, development)

covered in this mentoring booklet to guide you in exploring possible places

for growth and development.

Guidelines for mentors

Meetings

incident

plan

reflect account

Avoid making decisions for them - it is important that the mentee takes

responsibility for decisions made. Remember that you’re simply assisting

your mentee in bringing their life under Jesus’ lordship.

Encourage your mentee to reflect on anything

that comes up (good or bad) and to set an

action plan. You’ll both have one of these

mentoring booklets in which you can jot down

anything you’ve talked about. In subsequent

meetings keep your mentee accountable –

encourage, challenge, pray… be a travelling

companion as they grow.

If you feel it would be appropriate to go through some

material with your mentee we have a variety of Bible Study/ Lifestyle/ New

Christian resources available. Woodlands office may have details.

Resources

Prayer is of foundational importance - pray for your

mentee and seek God’s heart for them. Prayer should also be a part of

your mentoring sessions.

Prayer

Crofts End Church

Please let your homegroup leader know who you

are mentoring. Refer pastoral needs & training to them.

Make a note of their name and contact details on the first page of this

booklet.

Mentor coordinators

Pastoral issues may well arise from time to time.

However, if your mentoring relationship starts to be more of a counselling

one then this need to be gently addressed during a review. Pastoral care

happens through homegroups, the Pastoral care team or in some other

way.

Trust: it is important to establish a trusting relationship from the beginning

where the mentee can be open and honest. However, there may be issues

that arise which require further action to be taken e.g. child protection.

Never promise total confidentiality.

Pastoral issues

“You became imitators of us and of the Lord

…and so you became a model to all believers” 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7

Mentoring young people (under 18)

Mentoring of Devotion-aged young people (yr.8—13) happens under the

oversight of the Devotion leadership team.

Mentors should arrange a safe place to meet and let someone know when

and where this is. You must have gone through the Child Protection

process.

There is a 10 week basic discipleship course available if you need it.

Guidelines for mentors continued...

Mentoring is actually a great way of seeing your own relationship with God

remain dynamic and deepen. Mentoring is also a spiritual responsibility so

you need to keep a close eye on your own spiritual life. To have integrity

you need to be honest with yourself and God about where you are

personally and the things that you struggle with. To help with this our aim

is that everyone who is involved in mentoring will also be mentored.

“How can a young person keep their way pure?

By living according to your word!

I seek you with all my heart;

Do not let me stray from your commands

I have hidden your word in my heart

That I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:9-11

1. Is your way pure? Is there anything in your lifestyle, attitudes etc. that

you need to confess to God?

2. Have you been living according to God’s word this week? Have you

strayed from his commands?

3. Have you been seeking God with all your heart, spending time with him

and studying his word?

“Teach me your way, O lord

And I will walk in your truth;

Give me an undivided heart,

That I may fear your name.” Psalm 86:11

4. Has your heart been divided in any way this week? Ask God to give you

an undivided heart.

Your Spiritual life

Spiritual checklist

Remember “ The Lord does not look at the things man

looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but

the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

Crofts End Church

“If you hold to my teachings you are really my

disciples. Then you will know the truth

and the truth will set you free” John 8:31

Guidelines for those being mentored

Being mentored is about having someone come alongside you as you learn

to obey what God is saying to you and as you bring your life under God’s

authority. This is to do with your body, mind and spirit.

Your mentor will...

...encourage you as you follow Jesus and become mature in Him

...help you to identify your gifts and strengths

...help you identify and address weaknesses

...encourage you to reflect upon your life; to set goals/plan; and keep

you accountable

Your mentor will not...

...make decisions for you

...replace the pastoral support you receive in your small groups

You should let your homegroup leader know who is mentoring you.

The ‘5Ds’

Using this booklet

Dreams Aspirations, longings, Godly goals -

both short term and long term.

Devotions Prayer, daily devotions,

personal worship, reflection, fasting, giving.

Domestic Family, relationships,

friends, home life.

Disciplines Physical exercise,

interests, habits, priorities, time pressures.

Development Gifts, ministries, training, read-

ing, study, research, job.

On each page in this booklet are one of the following ’5Ds’ and a couple of

appropriate questions (just to get you started).

Both of you should try to jot down a few notes after each

session...this will make the process of reflection, prayer and

evaluation easier.

If you have any questions about this process, do ask your mentor or

contact Andrew Yelland email andrew@croftsend.org

Crofts End Church

Dreams Aspirations, longings, Godly goals - both short term and long term.

Date

How has God spoken to you over the last month...how does

this fit in with your life’s dreams?

How are you moving towards these dreams/goals?

Suggested opening questions

Suggested opening questions

Devotions Prayer, daily devotions, personal worship, reflection, fasting, giving.

Date

Which areas of your devotions have been going well recently?

Which areas of your devotions do you struggle with?

...how could you tackle this?

Crofts End Church

Domestic Family, relationships, friends, home life.

Date

What is your home life like?

How much time do you spend with your family/ flatmates?

How are you relating to others at the moment

Is there anybody you need to forgive?

Suggested opening questions

Disciplines Physical exercise, interests, habits, priorities, time pressures.

Date

Outside of church what activities are you involved in recently?

Are these activities a negative or positive influence in your

relationship with God?

What pressurises you most at the moment?

Suggested opening questions

Crofts End Church

Suggested opening questions

Development Gifts, ministries, training, reading, study, research, job.

Date

What are your ‘natural’ and spiritual gifts?

How have you been using and developing them ?

How can you continue to grow in these gifts?

What training and accountability do you need?

At a recent conference the speaker gave this list of questions that they use in accountability sessions.

Would you be brave enough to use them?

If you have any questions about this booklet, please do contact

Andrew Yelland email: andrew@croftsend.org

10 tough accountability questions

1. Have you spent daily time in scripture and in prayer?

2. Have you had any flirtations or lustful attitudes, tempting thoughts or

exposed yourself to any explicit materials that would not glorify God?

3. Have you been completely above reproach in your financial dealings?

4. Have you spent quality time with family and friends?

5. Have you done 100% in your job?

6. Have you told any lies or half-truths, putting yourself in a better light than

those around you?

7. Have your shared Jesus with an unbeliever this week?

8. Have you taken care of your body through exercise, proper eating and

sleep?

9. Have you allowed any person or circumstance to rob you of your joy?

10. Have you lied on any of your answers

Crofts End Church

CROFTS END CHURCH 1 CROFTS END ROAD

ST GEORGE BRISTOL

0117 9513520 office@croftsend.org

Recommended Reading

In order to really learn from the Bible we advise that you purchase a study Bible which contains notes and gives a fuller understanding of what is being read. The one we recommend is; ‘The New Spirit Filled Life Bible’

The Jesus I never Knew - Philip Yancey What’s so amazing about Grace? - Philip Yancey If you want to walk on water, you’ve got to get out of

the boat - John Ortberg Soul Revolution - John Burke No Perfect People Allowed - John Burke Courageous Leadership - Bill Hybels